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Preparing the next generation of educators isn’t just a goal for Dodge City USD 443. It is a community effort rooted in relationships, mentorship, and a vision first introduced by superintendent Jason Scheck to grow educators  within the USD 443 community. 

Through the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP), the district is opening doors for aspiring teachers like Carlos Teran, whose journey reflects both the promise of the program and the heart of Dodge City itself. 

Teran began his apprenticeship in August 2024, stepping into the classroom with what district leadership immediately saw as a natural fit. 

“From day one, he showed natural ability and just promise and a want to be in the classroom,” Tara Schraeder, USD 443 executive director of human resources, shared.

Today, that early promise has only grown stronger as Teran continues his path toward becoming a licensed educator while working for the district and directly applying in the classroom what he’s learning at Kansas State University. 

Teran shared that he is intentional about building meaningful relationships with students, knowing that connection is often the foundation for learning. Now working more fully in a third-grade classroom alongside his mentor teacher, he has embraced increased responsibility while staying grounded in what matters most - his students. 

“I understand the importance of representation, especially as a male educator in an elementary classroom, where some students may not otherwise have a strong male role model,” Teran said. He added that this perspective drives him to show up consistently, provide support, and serve as a positive role model for his students.

Like many new educators, Teran has learned the classroom doesn’t always follow a perfect plan. While he describes himself as a perfectionist, the classroom experience has helped him grow more flexible, not just as a teacher, but as a person. Just as importantly, he has someone alongside him to help navigate those moments: Blake Cook, his mentor teacher. 

From the start, Cook and Teran have built a strong connection, grounded in a shared passion for teaching. Their partnership quickly evolved into something deeper than a traditional mentor-mentee relationship, one that is built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Cook often describes Teran as someone who brings a calm, thoughtful presence into the classroom, completing instruction in ways that benefit all students. 

Together, they plan, reflect, and problem solve, often focusing on what Cook calls the “almost” students, those who are close to mastery but just need a little extra support to get there. Having two educators in the room, both deeply invested in their students’ success, has made a noticeable difference in both learning outcomes and classroom behavior. Teran has a gift for connecting with students, and those relationships translate into greater engagement. 

“Carlos is seeing an experienced teacher deal with things and he’s being able to ask questions on the fly,” Cook said.  

At the district level, that support is by design. Schraeder has been instrumental in shaping the apprenticeship program. Like many rural districts in Kansas, USD 443 has faced ongoing challenges with teacher recruitment and retention. Rather than looking outward for solutions alone, the district made a strategic decision to invest in talent already present in their community.  

The result is a program that not only addresses workforce needs but also strengthens the local education pipeline. By identifying individuals with potential and giving them a starting point, USD 443 is building a sustainable system for developing future educators who are already committed to Dodge City and its students. 

“The apprenticeship program is progressing towards filling classrooms with certified teachers,” Cook said. “It is an exciting time to be a part of something that’s so impactful to schools and students.”

Teran is part of a growing group of apprentices who are learning alongside some of the district’s strongest teachers, gaining hands on experience while pursuing their credentials. “Mentors and apprentices work as thought partners,” Schraeder added. “Sharing ideas and learning from one another in ways that benefit students and educators.”

As one of the initial RTAP pilot districts, Dodge City USD 443 has already begun to see the program’s impact grow and gain momentum. What began with just one apprentice expanded quickly to nearly 20 apprentices, with plans to increase that number in the upcoming year. 

Teachers and administrators alike have embraced the RTAP, recognizing its practical benefits and its impact on school culture and student success. 

“If any district has the opportunity to implement RTAP, they should take advantage of it. It is an investment in our people and our community,” Schraeder said. “RTAP is providing us the opportunity to grow educators right here at home, educators who already believe in our students.”

The work happening in Dodge City USD 443 is about more than just filling positions; it is about investing in people. It is about recognizing potential, saying “yes” to opportunity, and building a system where aspiring educators like Carlos Teran can thrive. 

USD 443 didn’t just gain an apprentice; they gained a future teacher whose resilience, heart, and determination will serve their students for years to come.

About Dodge City, Kansas 

Dodge City USD 443 is in Ford County. According to the Kansas Building Report Card, the district has 7,230 students across 11 buildings. The 2020 U.S. Census put Dodge City’s population at 27,788, making it one of the larger communities in southwest Kansas.